Philippine-Korean Cultural House (PKCH) to Support FEWA

by Elizer Penaranda Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:29 pm

Philippine- Korean Cultural House to Support FEWA
By Elizer Penaranda

Seoul, South Korea- The Philippine-Korean Cultural House (PKCH) and the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) have established a tie up to curb the labor problems of OFWs and help promote Philippine Culture to Koreans last July 10.

PKCH Public Relation Coordinator Eunha Park emphasized the aims of the cultural house as the hub of cultural exchange between Koreans and Filipinos by deepening their understanding of each culture; by narrowing the cultural gap through the intensification of information dissemination on the arts, culture and tourism of the two countries.

However, Park mentioned that they have received job offers from Korean employers but they don�t have any direct contact with any Filipino Community in Seoul. They help Korean employers who would like to employ Filipinos and this would be much easier with the agreement between PKCH and FEWA.

FEWA President Sofonias �Chabok� Paragsa together with SULYAP� Chairman Rebenson �Reeve� Recana personally congratulated PKCH for the programs it had launched in promoting Philippine Culture to Koreans and Korean Culture and Language to Filipinos as well. �We need the help of some Korean agencies like the PKCH to find immediate solution to the migrants� labor-related problems,� Paragsa said.

PKCH provides free legal assistance from the Seoul Bar Association for Filipinos residing in Seoul as regards to a labor-related problem like the reported case of an EPS worker who�s National Pension System (NPS) monthly contribution was solely paid by the worker himself which is a violation for it should be a shared contribution between the employer and the foreign worker.

�Filipino Communities should work with Koreans in dealing with social issues and problems and they need to know more about PKCH as they offer free eye clinic service by appointment basis, Reeve �Reeve��Recana

Also, it conducted a seminar on Korean Culture last May 18 to introduce the Korean culture to Filipinos. In cooperation with the Philippine Embassy, Prof. Christian Joon-park helped the participants to better adapt to Korean way of living.

PKCH supported events like �Rainbow Festival� for multicultural families, multicultural food festival and the 5th Songtan Special Tourism Zone where Philippine folk dances like �Pandanggo sa Ilaw �and �Tinikling� were showcased.

Besides promoting culture of the two countries, it also supported the lecture of the Philippine Ambassador Luis Cruz about awareness on multiculturalism and Philippine Culture at Sookmyung Women�s University.

On the other hand, Faith Ocampo, a Filipina student and a PKCH intern supported the Promotion of Philippine Culture to Korean students on Asian Culture Experience about the Philippines. Together with some volunteers, they showcased Filipiniana, games like �luksong tinik� and �luksong baka� and some other customs and traditions of the Filipinos.

PKCH is currently connected with the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines to further exchange information on culture and arts as they continuously support all Filipino migrants in South Korea.